Analysis

Tom FordyceChief sports writer, BBC Sport

"Andy Murray's nerve-mangling, history-making US Open triumph over Novak Djokovic was many things: one of the great finals of the modern era, a late-night thriller from the city that never sleeps, a breath-taking demonstration of physical strength and mental fortitude. It was also the perfect bookend to a few months that British sport can scarcely believe and will never forget."

He was the boys' singles champion there in 2004, hard courts are his favourite surface and he enjoys the atmosphere in New York.

Murray is unlikely to ever forget the atmosphere inside the world's biggest tennis arena as he celebrated his success, which arrived in his 28th appearance at a Grand Slam tournament.

A swirling wind made conditions troublesome for both players, but it was Murray who coped better in the first two sets and eventually ended Djokovic's title defence and 27-match hard-court winning run at majors.

"They were incredibly tricky conditions," said the right-hander from Dunblane. "Novak is so strong, he fights until the end of every match and I don't know how I managed to come through in the end."

After early breaks were exchanged, Murray struck again before moving 4-2 ahead following a game that included a 54-shot rally.

Djokovic rallied to force a tie-break, yet his opponent showed greater belief and took a sixth set point with 87 minutes on the clock.

Murray roared with delight and carried his momentum into the second set, breaking an out-of-sorts Djokovic twice for a 4-0 lead.

Match stats

Murray

Djokovic

5

Aces

7

65%

1st serves

62%

4

Double faults

5

31

Winners

40

56

Errors

65

62%

1st serve win %

63%

48%

2nd serve win %

42%

44%

Receiving pts won

42%

8/17

Break points

9/18

A lapse in concentration allowed Djokovic back in and when the Serbian landed a majestic lob for 5-5, Murray clutched his left thigh.

There were no signs of injury, though, as Murray held to 15 and then forced a flurry or errors from the world number two, opening up a two-set lead for the first time in a Grand Slam final.

The crowed urged Djokovic to respond and he did - threatening in game one of the third set before making his move in game three.

Murray was now starting to berate himself and voice his frustrations in the direction of his coaching team in the stand, never more so than when two backhand mistakes saw chances squandered in game six.

He then fell a double-break down thanks to an incredible backhand on to the baseline from Djokovic, who easily closed out the set.

Djokovic looked revitalised, Murray weary, and the right-hander from Belgrade swiftly found himself 2-0 up in the fourth set.

Just when it seemed Murray might respond, Djokovic was called for a time violation and he angrily took his performance to a new level.

When Murray's backhand broke down again, Djokovic leapt with joy and it seemed he could become the first man since Pancho Gonzales in 1949 to rally from two sets down to win the US Open.

Murray mania

Jamie Murray, Andy's brother:
"What a historic night! Tonight Andy achieved his dream. He got the result his talent, dedication and perseverance deserved. So proud of him.

Brad Gilbert, Murray's former coach:
"What a close from the Muzzard. That was an epic final, major props to the guys - a pleasure to watch."

Rory McIlroy, golf world number one:
"Massive congrats Andy Murray!!!! The first of many and well worth the wait!"

BBC tennis correspondent Jonathan Overend:
"Autumn, you've got a hell of an act to follow. Andy Murray has just capped the greatest summer."

But Murray had other ideas and made a devastating start to the decider, breaking in game one and consolidating it with some defensive play of the very highest order.

The third seed was in dreamland when Djokovic netted a forehand to hand over the double-break, only for a nervous Murray to immediately surrender one of his strikes with a timid backhand.

A love service hold put Murray back on track and he advanced to within one game of victory when Djokovic netted a forehand.

Murray served out the championship 79 years to the day that Perry won the first of eight major singles crowns.

"I'm disappointed to lose, but I gave it my all," said five-time major winner Djokovic, a friend of Murray's and seven days younger. "I had a great opponent today. He deserved to win this Grand Slam more than anybody. I would like to congratulate him."

216. parrranger 12TH SEPTEMBER 2012 - 16:04@ 1203. cj8652 210. Chris 12TH SEPTEMBER 2012 - 12:16To cj8652 @I so hope you keep your British nationality on independence... by moving south and leaving Scotland to people who do actually care about this proud nation. And NOT the future of the Labour party.

Congratulations Andy - lets focus on the sporting achievement. Never thought the Dons winning the European Cup Winners Cup in 83 would be matched/bettered. Great joy in seeing Andy prove all the doubters wrong - worth the agony of previous defeats. Andy you are a legend - thank you for bringing so much happiness.

Mojo, how much coverage do you think the July 7th attacks in London received in the USA two months ago? The photoshoot in Central Park is part and parcel of winning a major sporting event. The date was a mere coincidence and there was nothing disrespectful about it. The same happens at the other grand slams at the insistence of the organisers and sponsors.

There was very little British News Broadcasts about 911 on September 11th, i don,t think standing in Central Park New York holding a Tennis Trophy on the Day of 911 was respectful, better things to think about but Tennis..

Well done Andy, what a fantastic addition to the medals from both Olympics. A great year for British sport. Ignore the likes of Salmond and Connory, like leeches they'll bask in your glory. You are a terrific ambassador for your country unlike the two mentioned above. One a fair weather Scot and the other, well, pass. Keep going Andy Wimbledon and others next year. Well deserved.

I'm absolutely delighted for Murray - a great achievement to win a slam, especially to hold out against Djokovic on this surface after surrendering a 2 set lead. I'll admit (ahem, Andrew Castle) to having thought his chance had gone, especially after the 2011 AO. I'm happy to be wrong.But, even as someone with an interest in it, can we leave the pro/anti independence stuff to the politics page?

To cj8652 @ 12.03I believe in my country. Like all Scots I am British and so I believe in Britain and you dafties will not take my nationality away from me.I don't need independence, Britain is already independent. It is not as if we are in servitude to a foreign power. Roll on 2014 and the vote, you lot are going to get well and truly gubbed.

This achievement is fantastic and fully deserved but......why am I being bombarded with it in every form of media possible? In the words of Michael Winner....'calm down dear'...there are other things going on.

On the subject of sports personality of the year.... Andy Murray has a distinct lack of personality so should be excluded from the competition, unless it's sports achievement of the year.

I am British and proud to be so. All our able and para sportsmen and women have done us proud this summer. Although I am not a Murray fan ( never was never will be) he too has shown grit and determination to acheive his well deserved success. No we have a winter of football....over paid, foul mouthed,cheating prima donnas..a disgace to the sport and respective nationalities

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